The electric string quartet becomes a miniature film orchestra by using sharp plucks and slashing riffs that sound more out of a Jimmie Page solo, than a classical concert hall. Interspersed through the hole work are clatters and sounds, there are shouted words and gongs. The second movement is a soft monody - Sounds of Bones and Flutes, that has the resonance of Buddhist prayer wheels and Asian folk music, without actually quoting it, it segues into a cinematic portrayal of horror and laughing skulls called "Devil-Music". It is entitled "Night of the Electric Insects" and the sounds are reminiscent of helicopters, scrambling and cold terror. The first movement opens with a screeching sound which comes from the rapid sawing of instruments under electric amplification. The work is in 3 movements, cast in 13 parts, some so short that they are gone almost as soon as they arrive, and none longer than 4 minutes, the entire work lasts only 20 minutes. A recent recording by the Miro Quartet available on iTunes or through their website reaches into this work for the present. As the composer admitted later, the subject of the work is the Vietnam war. George Crumb's "Black Angels" has proven to be one of the most durable works of the late 20th century, written for electric string quartet, it combines simple haunting sounds in places, with medievalisms and studied references.
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